How can I tell the difference between Cable TV cable and Cable Internet cable? Is there a difference? I am trying to hide loose cable in my ceiling joists before drywalling and I need cable internet in one location and cable TV in another. Call the cable guys or do it myself?

How many times can I say the word cable? *snarf*

As long as you use RG-6, you'll be fine. Rg-6 is what is need for your data, and is also used for your cable tv.
To be more specific what you going to want is
RG-6 coax
copper conductor 20ga
with siver foil 100% shield and
a 95% braided shield

If what you currently have in your home is RG-59 you'll have issues with the data, but you cable tv will work fine.

Keep in mind to run these cables 2 feet (if you can) away from electrical and especially flourecent ballasts

no problem !!! if you already have cable tv and cable internet all you have to do is make sure that the filter going to the internet stays with that line...other than that it's an easy do it yourself job....

I should have been clearer. I have two cables sticking out of my wall in the same spot. How do I tell which is which?

What does this filter look like?

I work with satellite tv and troubleshoot problems that people have with their equipment on a daily basis. Cable TV and Satelite TV an\re basicaly the same. They both make use of coaxial cable. However the strength of the signal going between a satellite dish and its reciever is much higher than the strength traveling between the reciever and the TV. In most scenarios any type of coaxial cable will work between a satellite rcvr and a tv, but the higher grade cable you use the better. RG6 is standard however there are even different ratings of it. Your best choice would be to go with RG11. It is a hiher grade cable that will last onger and provide higher quality service.

If you are trying to distinguish between the two different coax cables that you have running the solution is simple. Disconnect one and see what works, the TV or the Internet. By doing that you identify which is which and you can use some type of marking to distinguish the two. Something as simple as putting masking tape on one of them would work. This will also allow you to keep them seperated in the future if you or a technician from the cable company needs to access those.

Hope the mass of information is helpful,
Ender

Thanks. That would be the obvious solution, yes. Unfortunately, I currently do not have a broadband account nor a cable TV account. Alas, I will have to call the cable guys. Thanks for all your help everyone.

RG11 ????? That type cable is used for a broadband network from the provider or as service capacity in large buildings, terminating to an IDF for many customer, (like an apt complex of 1000 residents). You couldnt use this cable in any type of residential application

Home run all the cables to one central location before you drywall them in. It is the same cable for internet and tv. I just had them in to hook me up. He did not install any type filter, only a splitter to get another cable for the internet. I asked him. He said they don't use filters except for the premium channels that some people don't subscribe to.

Hey thanks! I'll call to make sure, but that answered my question. Drywall commences this weekend!

RG11 coaxial cable or other grade cables can be used in any type of installation. It just depends on what you want.

Ender